The closer object is the painted 3D print. The one in the rear is an original Selectric typewriter ball for comparison. Upon closer inspection my model is slightly smaller and the walls are a bit thinner. I will probably resize it when I have time before having a sterling silver version created.

Goetia symbols

I made a chart of the characters and symbols for use when creating the displacement map.

Pedantry

Used Maya, Illustrator and Photoshop to model and texture a concept for Sherlock Holmes' motorcycle helmet from "Wheels of Destiny" - a collaborative idea with artist M, originating many years ago.

Wireframe & Ambient Occlusion

This is probably not the pipe you'd expect. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle portrays Holmes as a frequent pipe smoker but (at least from my research) nowhere in some 60 stories does he ever mention the iconic calabash style pipe. He does mention three other styles of pipe: a churchwarden clay (think Gandalf), a cherrywood and a briar (my choice for this model). The calabash was apparently popularized by an American stage actor in the 1900s who wanted the audience to easily see his pipe but also not obstruct the view of his face.

Maya Vector renders

I wasn't before, but I am now (model)

After creating the 3D printable model for this sculpture using Maya and ZBrush, and all of the subsequent resurfacing and painting of the physical print, I decided to go back and digitally paint the (virtual) model to match what I had done to the physical print. These are work in progress shots of that process. I still have some work to do on some final renders of the results.

Low-poly model in Maya.

An earlier version in ZBrush before adding the extra elements on the tail.

Final high-ploy sculpt in ZBrush. This is the model as it was sent off for 3D printing and on which the digital painting will be applied.

Polygroups in ZBrush that will be used for the maps.

Belly of the Beast. It cannot be seen on the physical sculpture but I did paint it to resemble the features of the belly and palms of a real Hellbender, as I also did here.

Texture map

Mostly Polypaint in ZBrush with some adjustment in Photoshop.

Hellbender textured

An early turntable of the model with displacement and texture applied.

Pantocratron

ZBrush render

Maya and ZBrush used to model a printable mech hand with the Pantocrator gesture - the universal sign of blessing and teaching commonly found in the religious iconography of many faiths throughout history. Inspired by Ray Kurzweil's book, The Age of Spiritual Machines. The robot style reference is meant to be a blend of Transformers G1 and Gundam without being too specific.

ZBrush was then used to hollow, shell and decimate the model and export an STL for 3D print.

3D print

The model was 3D printed in a white detail plastic and is just over 3.25" tall, on the scale of a child's hand.

I wasn't before, but I am now (print)

2013, acrylic and resin on 3D printed resin, 4 x 13 x 9 inches

Final 3D print, painted with acrylic and resin

In the spring of 2013 I was invited to participate in the RapidArtists exhibit for RAPID 2013, the annual conference for the SME (Society for Manufacturing Engineers), which focuses on innovations in rapid prototyping. They invited 10 artists to experiment with their software and equipment to create new works that might show others in the industry how their technologies can be pushed. I used Maya and ZBrush to create this model of a Hellbender - a large, endangered and somewhat grotesque salamander native to Appalachia - portrayed as attempting to beautify itself by manipulating its tail into florid, rococoesque shapes. The model was then 3D printed in resin and I was able to prepare the surface and paint it. Below is a description of the process followed by more photos of the final sculpture.

Screen capture from Maya of an early, low-detail stage of the 3D model.

High-detail 3D model finished in ZBrush. These are renderings of the model file that was sent off to be printed.

Hellbender sculpt 01

This is a turntable video of the model sent off to be 3D printed. You should be able to scrub the progress bar back and forth to see different angles.

Small test print, 1.25 x 4 x 2.75"

As a test, I scaled the model down to about 4 inches wide and sent it off to have it printed by Shapeways to make sure there were no problems. This arrived 2 weeks later and was a little better than I had expected. I had it done in their Black Detail material which is a bit rubbery so I'm afraid it will not be receptive to paint, but it was a more affordable way to proof the model. The printing detail here should be 0.2mm.

raw print, 4 x 13 x 9"

The file was then sent off to be 3D printed by a company called Met-L-Flo Inc. I received this object about 2 months later.

Both prints together

Detail photos of the print as I received it. Unfortunately, I was not in direct contact with the printer so I do not know the type of resin used nor what level of detail this is. My guess is between 0.3 and 0.5mm - more striation than I had anticipated. Some time was then spent sanding down the artifacts of the process and preparing the surface for painting.

Painting the 3D print

After much reworking of the surface - sand, putty, sand, prime, ad nauseam - I painted the print using a mix of brushes and airbrush with acrylics. The real animal this is based on is usually a splotchy, muddy greenish brown color. I tried be faithful to that but also make the florid, morphing features start fading into different colors. It was then varnished with a resin to make it appear wet and slimy.

I have been thinking about this piece off and on for over 15 years but wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to realize it. The process offered a few unanticipated challenges but I'm glad to finally see the thing materialized. Special thanks to the people at SculptCAD for inviting me to participate in this project and arranging the printing.

Later, I went back into ZBrush and digitally painted the 3D model to match what I had done by hand to the physical print. More about that here.

Public Library Banner

This image is a tribute to the cover art for early adventure story periodicals, specifically Amazing Stories & Wonder Stories, which often featured fantastic tales by H.G. Wells, Edgar Rice Burroughs and Jules Verne. When we were kids, Dallas was in the midst of reinventing itself (after the Kennedy assassination) with futuristic architectural projects like Reunion Tower, Fountain Place, the new City Hall and its complimentary downtown public library across the street, among others. The downtown cityscape was so futuristic looking that it was even used as a setting for a number of science fiction films, such as RoboCop and The Lathe of Heaven. This image, with its iconic library lamps acting as a flying saucer invasion illuminating (and studying?) the city, is meant to pay homage to that aspect of Dallas' history of futuristic visions.

Original Sketch for Library Banner project by M

From our joint concept for the FoDPL banner project. We wanted to reference old school sci-fi themes like War of the Worlds and flying saucer attacks.

Library Lamps modeled in Maya

The iconic library lamps are modeled and rendered in Maya to be duplicated and composited into illustration.

Dallas cityscape modeled in Maya

Downtown Dallas skyline is modeled and rendered in a stylized way to be composited into illustration.

Prickly Pears modeled in Maya

Foreground of Prickly Pear cacti modeled and rendered in a stylized way to be composited into illustration.

Maya renderings of different elements composited together in Illustrator.

Composited elements are outlined and filters and gradients are added to give a more classic illustration look, inspired heavily by Frank R. Paul.

Lettering is added to emulate the look of early Amazing Stories Quarterly covers.

Final image for FoDPL Dallas Public Library banner after requested changes.

Figurine accessories

The items on this page are models I've done by request for toy customizers who have them 3D printed (usually through my Shapeways shop) for use with small action figures. I have to admit I did not even know this was such a thing. Some people saw my original Powersword model and asked if I would consider modifying it to fit the scale and style of Lego Minifigs and then Minimates, which I was unfamiliar with. It offers an interesting challenge to create a model in such a way that it will fit with existing physical parts as well as the rather squat and boxy established style and scale of the different toy lines. And make for a successful and affordable 3D print.

Helmet from Frank Frazetta's Death Dealer, scaled and stylized for use with Minimates.

The models are printed by the on-demand service, usually in a white or clear plastic material, and sent to the enthusiasts who finish them with paint. Sometimes I get to see pictures of the results. This one is by by Minimates customizer Nervous Rex, whom I must thank for introducing me to this world of custom figurines.

Axe and shield from Frank Frazetta's Death Dealer, scaled and stylized for use with Minimates.

Weapons bundle for He-Man and Skeletor scaled and stylized for Minimates.

Skeletor's Havoc Staff scaled and stylized for use with Minimates.

Skeletor's belt scaled and stylized for Minimates.

He-Man's chest armor scaled and stylized for Minimates.

Hero belt for Minimates. Compatible with several different characters.

Man-At-Arms' mace scaled and stylized for LEGO Minifigure.

Stratos' headpiece (hi & low detail) for Minimates.

Stratos' wings scaled and stylized for Minimates.

Zodac's helmet scaled and stylized for Minimates.

Zodac's gun scaled and stylized for LEGO Minifigure.

Quicksilver's helmet from SilverHawks scaled and stylized for Minimates.

Krampus Minimates character with all 3D printed accessories. This figure was assembled and painted by Minimates customizer Nervous Rex with whom I got to collaborate on a special project. Two related custom "fantasy creatures" were to be created and displayed together. The results were then auctioned off - the funds going to Right to Play to help pay to build playgrounds in underserved communities. We created this Krampus character along with his partner, Saint Nicholas, below.

Miter headpiece with beard for Minimates bishop or saint character.

Bishop's crozier.

Devil or Satyr head scaled and stylized for Minimates.

The Rocketeer's helmet scaled and stylized for Minimates.

The Rocketeer's jetpack scaled and stylized for Minimates.

Cobra Commander's hood and helmet from G.I. Joe scaled and stylized for Minimates.

Generic G.I.Joe helmet scaled and stylized for Minimates.

Finned masks for Minimates for Golden Age superhero characters.

The Father's Sword from Conan the Barbarian scaled and stylized for Lego Minifig.

Nurnies

Part of ongoing collaboration with M. Abstracted gadgetry & consoles inspired by action figure playsets of our youth. All pieces are 2010, adhesive vinyl on cast urethane. Each is an edition of 3 in white with 1 variant (or miscast) of each. Pieces sold as blank objects with sticker sheets to be applied (or not) by collector. Exhibited in Art + Object at Marty Walker Gallery in Dallas, TX in 2010.

Gaze of Hyperion

edition of 3, 7.5 x 6 x 5.5 inches

Gaze of Hyperion

Kit version

Gaze of Hyperion

(variant) edition of 1

Gaze of Hyperion

(variant) kit

Initiate Stratagems!

edition of 3, 8 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches

Initiate Stratagems!

Kit version

Initiate Stratagems!

(variant) edition of 1

Initiate Stratagems!

(variant) kit

Advance Coordinate Gambits!

edition of 3, 8 x 9.5 x 4 inches

Advance Coordinate Gambits!

Kit version

Advance Coordinate Gambits!

(variant) edition of 1

Advance Coordinate Gambits!

(variant) kit

Initiate Stratagems! & Advance Coordinate Gambits!

9 x 17 x 4 inches (combined)

These two separate pieces can be displayed together, combining to form a set - several surface planes correspond or are mirrored across the pair.

Initiate Stratagems! & Advance Coordinate Gambits!

9 x 17 x 4 inches (combined), variants are unique

These two separate pieces can be displayed together, combining to form a set - several surface planes correspond or are mirrored across the pair.

Commissioned 3D

These are some 3D models I made for jobs. Sometimes they are for advertising, sometimes 3D printing, and sometimes both. I will receive sketches or descriptions for a client's new product idea and then create the models that will be used for prototyping by CNC machining, or more often, 3D printing. There have also been times when a client has sent me a physical sample that I'll then replicate in 3D so the client can consider more options for manufacturing. The software used varies depending on the precision required and file types necessary for the production method. I can only show a few things here though because most of my work like this is still under Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Mr. Clever facial appliance 3D print

A client hired me to recreate the facial appliance worn by Doctor Who?/Mr. Clever in the episode "Nightmare in Silver." I used Maya and Zbrush to create two 3D models for this project. The first version was modeled as shown to conform to the (generic male) wearer's face right out of the printer. The second version was modeled to lay flat so that the company could make a mold of it for use in creating silicone appliances that would be flexible and more form-fitting.

Arriving In High Heels icon print

full color 3D printed logo, 2013, 5 x 1.5 x 3"

Used Maya, ZBrush and Photoshop to create and texture a full color, 3D printable model of client's existing logo (top center) for travel blog, Arriving In High Heels. Client requested that I create a full color 3D model of existing logo for travel site that could then be printed to order via Shapeways for use as a decorative object and promotional tool.

These are her photos of the resulting print.

Radico icon print

2014

Used Maya, ZBrush & Photoshop to convert client's existing company logo into a full color 3D model to be printed for use as a promotional tool.

Server components

The client sent me a couple of photos of each object and said they need textured models for use in a virtual environment. I think it was for a modular server farm designing application, as well as advertising. Text labels were left off of the back of the components at the client's request since those parts would not be examined close up.

Power Sword

Used Maya and ZBrush to create a 3D-printable model of He-Man's "Power Sword' from the classic '80s Masters of the Universe toy line and cartoon.

Also known as the "Sword of Power" and the "Sword of Grayskull," the original sword was split into two halves - He-Man had one half and his nemesis, Skeletor, had the other. The toy versions of the characters came with their respective halves that could combine to form the "Power Sword." Some of the storylines of the mini-comics that accompanied the figures involved Skeletor trying to obtain He-Man's half in order to form the "Power Sword" and thereby gain control of Castle Grayskull. While both characters appeared with their respective halves of the sword in the original cartoon series, no mention was made of combining the halves to form this greater sword.

As a child I was admittedly fascinated by this world that made the rare attempt to combine traditional fantasy tropes with science fiction. The inconsistencies between the three seemingly separate worlds of the toy line, the mini-comics and the cartoon show frequently troubled my young sleep.

This model of the combined sword is based on the half-swords that came with the toys, and was my first effort at having something 3D printed.

Characters from Jack Elrod's Mark Trail interpret a scene from Apocalypse Now!. I'd had this in my head for a few years, but when I drew it it wasn't quite what I had expected, so I did not continue to see where the river would lead.Here it is anyway.

Bigfoot

2003, Inkjet print, 4 x 11 inches

In which Mark Trail discovers who or what has been destroying the signatures he often leaves in his wake. All images are redrawn in the style of Jack Elrod's Mark Trail based on archived strips, rather than directly copying anything.

Alight

Miscellaneous Graphic Design & Props for Film and Television

Break Rocket

2003

Illustrator used for original "arcade style" panel art as part of ongoing collaborative project with M.

Aerobicide

2003

Photoshop used to create logo for a larger collaborative project with M revolving around a virtual black metal band that promotes fitness in order to maximize the potential for spreading darkness. Image is available for print-to-order on various merchandise via online shop.

Illustrator used to create scalable vectors for "light" half of the Flag of Grayskull.

Squirrels Stories

2013

Illustrator used to create a very light logo commissioned for a very heavy website.Please visit Squirrels Stories.

Custom vintage book cover and binding created as a prop for a web series.

Photoshop used to create logo for Erick Swenson's ManTiger Studio (my former employer for 9 years). Image was then silk screened onto t-shirts and given away at Swenson's lecture at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.